Cillian Murphy recently shared his blunt thoughts on the iconic Peaky Blinders haircut that became a global phenomenon. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, the actor, who played Tommy Shelby, did not hold back his feelings about the severe undercut, describing it with a laugh as “so disgusting.” He revealed a surprising historical reason behind the haircut’s harsh style, one that has nothing to do with fashion.
The hairstyle, characterized by its very short back and sides with longer hair on top, was copied by countless fans after the show became a hit. However, Murphy explained that the look was actually based on historical accuracy from the 1920s and 1930s, and the real reason for it is far from glamorous.
The Historical Reason Behind the Haircut
Murphy clarified that the distinctive Tommy Shelby haircut was not just a style choice but a practical one for the time period. The actor revealed that the cut was designed to be extremely short to prevent lice. This gritty detail from the post-World War I era was faithfully incorporated into the show’s aesthetic, contributing to its authentic feel.
He has expressed similar views before, noting that the cut is overly severe and a throwback to a time when such a close crop was a solution for hygiene issues. The show’s creators aimed for historical accuracy, even when it came to the characters’ grooming.
To quote Tommy Shelby: “Get yourself a decent haircut, man”.
While the character’s advice became famous, it seems the actor himself is not a fan of the look he made famous.
How the Shelby Cut Became a Modern Style
Despite the star’s personal feelings, the Peaky Blinders haircut saw a massive surge in popularity. Barbershops around the world reported men asking for the “Tommy Shelby” cut. According to expert barbers, the style is a “very obvious contrasting fade against the length on top,” and it is usually worn slicked back with pomade or a matte product for a more contemporary look.
The modern version of the cut has been adapted from the screen-accurate style. “Back in the day, they didn’t really have the tools to do what we do now with haircuts,” explains a Ruffians’ barber. “So it was always going to be something that wasn’t very blended. They would literally razor the hair away.” Today, most people ask for a less aggressive, more blended version of the fade that suits modern tastes.
Why the Haircut Works for Everyone
A key reason for the style’s lasting popularity is its adaptability. Barbers note that the undercut can be altered to suit different hair types. For people with thicker hair, the fade can be taken higher. For those with finer hair, a lower fade is often recommended to maintain the style’s balance without requiring heavy product.
This versatility has made it a sought-after look for a wide range of people, though professionals caution that it is a high-maintenance style. It requires frequent trips to the barber to maintain the sharp contrast of the fade, often every one to two weeks, to keep it from growing out and softening.
Maintaining the Look at Home
Keeping the Peaky Blinders style in check requires effort beyond the barbershop. For hair that doesn’t naturally fall backward, using a hairdryer is essential to direct the hair into place. Heavier styling products are often needed to add weight and hold, especially around the crown where hair can be resistant.
Barbers recommend different products depending on hair type. For hair that needs more attention, a combination of Styling Paste and Matt Clay provides power and a matte finish. For easier hair types, a simple Hair Cream might be enough to achieve the desired look.
Also Read: The Story Behind Cillian Murphy’s New School Drama ‘Steve’
